On a guided tour of the Conservatory children will discover botanical treasures rich in shape, color, and function and find out why we need so many trees, flowers, fruits, and seeds. Learn about the roles plants play and why they're important. Also, build a terrarium to take home, observe how plants survive and grow, and learn how plants have special adaptations that help them thrive.

Hike the Sam Graham Trees Trail at the Botanical Gardens, discover the special trees unique to Michigan along the trail, and learn about Sam's pioneering ideas in forest ecology. You'll also receive a booklet to make leaf rubbings and you'll learn what makes Michigan ecosystems so special. Search for animal tracks, look for the unique structures each animal calls home, and create your own animal shelter.

Find out how artists and scientists both uncover the secrets of nature through close observation. In this workshop, paints, pastels, and colored pencils are the tools you'll use to rediscover the natural world. During a guided walk through our conservatory or along our trails you'll take a close look at the special traits that identify plants. Then draw what you see in your own sketchbook using various artists' materials.

When it comes to the health of the planet and the environment, kids can make a difference! Troop leaders choose two of the following activities that empower kids to make environmentally friendly choices. 1) Learn what happens to paper when it's recycled, and make sheets of handmade paper to take home. 2) Learn how important—and easy—it is to compost and make a compost bucket to use at home. 3) Plant a tabletop garden and learn how vegetable gardens not only produce yummy food, they help the planet, too!